Modular EDM system

Abstract

A modular EDM system including a compact servo slide assembly provides flexibility, accuracy and positional repeatability. The servo slide assembly includes a frame member provided with a precision dovetail for mounting on a column or bracket having a mating dovetail. The assembly also includes a slide member having a dovetail to receive and retain an electrode assembly thereon.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A modular EDM system adapted to support an electrode assembly to move in a controlled fashion, said system comprising: a base tool adapted to removably and adjustably receive and retain a first accessory tool thereon;   a first accessory tool comprising a swivel spacer adapted to be removably and adjustably mounted on said base tool, said spacer permitting angular adjustment and also being adapted to removably and adjustably receive and retain a second accessory tool thereon; and   a second accessory tool comprising a servo slide assembly including a frame member adapted to be removably and adjustably mounted on said spacer and a slide member slidably supported on said frame member, said slide member being adapted to removably and adjustably receive and retain the electrode assembly thereon, said slide assembly further including a motor coupled to said slide member and adapted to receive an electrical control signal to controllably move said slide member relative to said frame member along a slide axis wherein said swivel spacer permits angular adjustment of the slide assembly relative to said base tool.   
     
     
       2. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said accessory tools includes male and female dovetails to provide an adjustable dovetail joint for interconnecting said accessory tools. 
     
     
       3. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said motor has a threaded drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame member and wherein said slide assembly includes a split nut coupled to said slide member and threadedly mounted on said shaft to move therealong upon rotary movement of said shaft. 
     
     
       4. The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said slide assembly includes a solenoid having a plunger and a spring member supported by said split nut for flexibly coupling said split nut and said slide member, said solenoid being energized by a second control signal to cause said plunger to vibrate said spring member. 
     
     
       5. The system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said spring member comprises a spring steel sheet and wherein said plunger moves in a direction transverse said slide axis to vibrate said steel sheet. 
     
     
       6. The system as claimed in claim 1 including a dial indicator connected to said slide member and to said frame member for providing a visual indication of the relative position therebetween. 
     
     
       7. The system as claimed in claim 1 including a position transducer connected to said slide and frame members for providing an electrical signal representation of the relative position therebetween.